e-Bulletin, December 2004

Welcome to the latest in manufacturing news, products, and technology.

In this Issue...Sponsored by BSI Management Systems and Banner Engineering

Tom Grasson's commentary - we can't afford complacency

AMERICAN MACHINIST feature articles

Machine of the month - linear tool changer slashes nonproductive time

Technology trends - laser cutter does its own setups, and more...

Latebreaking news - BEI acquire Newall and other latebreaking news

Hot products - refurbish testing equipment, and more...

Mark your calendar - attend these seminars and events to learn the latest in business strategy and technology

Newsletter sponsorBSI Management Training

Now that 2004 is coming to a close, we want to make sure you have the proper training to start the new year off with ease. BSI has a full suite of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 training courses to help make your management systems registration journey a success. Check it out

Commentary

We can't afford complacency says Tom Grasson, publisher and editorial director. Although people tend to get a bit nostalgic around the holidays, those of us in manufacturing shouldn't become too complacent. Check out Tom's remarks

American Machinist Features

Cornering the creepfeed market says creepfeed (CF) grinding can outperform milling and broaching in cranking out parts made from superalloys and fully hardened materials. But because of CF's high grinding forces, only shops dedicated to the process really know how to control its many variables. Read all about it

Building tomorrow's machinists claims that budding machinists often don't get the hands-on experience they need before hitting the shop floor. That's why one large CNC machine tool manufacturer has stepped in. Read how partnerships between it and learning institutions are shaping quality manufacturing education. Check it out

Sensors spawn spindle standard explains how technological advancements are changing the standard for spindle measuring. With the right sensors, shops and OEMs can differentiate between spindle accuracies at the micro-inch level. Read the article

Machine of the Month

Take a look at LiCON's Linear Tool Changer for high-volume applications. Its cluster of four or six driven, tooled spindles means no more conventional toolchanges. Instead, the machine takes just 0.8 sec to position another spindle on the workpiece.Check out the machine

Hot Products

Latebreaking News

Next generation ERP software Epicor reports its next-generation ERP software helps enterprises optimize their performance in the global manufacturing economy. Learn how the challenges facing manufacturers make this technology necessary. Read all about it

New president for View EngineeringVijay Patel has replaced Steven Rosso as president of View Engineering Inc. Rosso left the company to pursue other opportunities in the industry. Patel is a 20-yr employee who has been involved in technical and marketing management at the company and has direct customer experience. Check out the article

Machine Tool Hall of Fame induction The American Precision Museum added four members to the Machine Tool Hall of Fame, which honors leaders in the development of the American machine tool industry. They include: Thomas Blanchard, inventor of the copy lathe; Ebenezer G. Lamson, founder of Jones & Lamson Machine Co, machine tool manufacturer; Robert M. Gaylord, head of Ingersoll Milling for more than 40 yr; and Leighton A. Wilkie, inventor of the metal bandsaw and founder of DoAll.